For Immediate Release
5/21/09

Senate Education Committee Chair Introduces Revised Higher Education Affordability and Accountability Legislation

HARRISBURG – Senate Education Committee Chairman Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) announced he has revised and reintroduced his legislation focusing on higher education accountability and affordability.  Senate Bill 881 would establish necessary tuition controls and accountability measures without placing additional financial burdens on the Commonwealth.

"In these difficult economic times, we must take steps to show fiscal restraint for our existing programs.  Although it's important to provide assistance for students and families who recognize that higher education is key to economic opportunity, I believe this legislation now sends the taxpayers of this Commonwealth the right message and at the same time gets a handle on the costs of higher education and maintains a level of accountability," said Piccola.

Piccola unveiled "The Affordability and Accountability in Higher Education Act" in recent months to respond to the Governor's proposed funding system for higher education which relies on video poker machines to boost aid for students entering one of the 14 state-owned and operated universities and community colleges.  His legislation is an alternative proposal that continues to include tuition controls and accountability measures for PHEAA grant recipients.  However, this bill eliminates the appropriation originally proposed for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency's (PHEAA) Grant Program due to the growing revenue shortfall now projected at $3 billion.

To control tuition, Piccola's bill would ensure all Pennsylvania colleges and universities receiving state funding or who have PHEAA students attending their institution would be prohibited from increasing their tuition beyond the Consumer Price Index.  In addition to holding the line on tuition increases, Senate Bill 881 requires all PHEAA grant recipients to maintain at least a "C" average to remain eligible to graduate within four years.  The legislation also would require colleges and universities to offer dual enrollment to students on a space available basis under regulations developed by the State Board of Education.

"It's a proven fact that the cost of college has consistently outpaced inflation, and there is no federal or state plan to address the exorbitant increases in tuition for higher education.  But my plan addresses these issues by requiring our institutions to get their costs under control as all Pennsylvania families must do in these tough economic times," said Piccola.

Contact:

Colleen Greer
(717) 787-6801

Additional Information:
Education

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